In the sermon titled “My Beloved Son,” Pastor Allen Victor taught through Gospel of Matthew 3:1–17, focusing on the ministry, message, and mission of John the Baptist. Pastor Allen explained that John served as the final prophet of the Old Testament era and was also the cousin of Jesus Christ. Unlike many religious leaders of his day, John did not preach in comfortable buildings or organized religious settings. Instead, he proclaimed God’s message in the wilderness of Judea, where people had to travel in order to hear the truth. Pastor Allen emphasized that John’s central message was simple yet powerful: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” He explained that the Greek word metanoeō described a true change of mind that resulted in a complete turning of one’s life—a 180-degree turn away from sin because the King was coming.

Pastor Allen pointed to Matthew 3:3, where John’s ministry fulfilled the prophecy spoken by Isaiah in Book of Isaiah 40:3, declaring that a voice would cry out in the wilderness to prepare the way of the Lord. He also connected this to the prophecies of Malachi in Book of Malachi 3:1 and 4:5–6, where God promised to send a messenger before the coming of the Lord. Pastor Allen Victor explained that John’s mission was to prepare the way and make the path straight by calling people to repentance. He contrasted this biblical mission with modern trends where some churches focus more on comfort, image, or entertainment rather than making true disciples grounded in God’s Word.

Continuing through Matthew 3:4, Pastor Allen described John’s humble lifestyle. John wore clothing made of camel’s hair with a leather belt and lived on locusts and wild honey. Pastor Allen Victor explained that John’s appearance reflected his calling—he was not concerned with status or popularity but with faithfully delivering God’s message.

In Matthew 3:5–6, Pastor Allen taught that people from Jerusalem, Judea, and the surrounding Jordan region came to hear John and were baptized in the Jordan River while confessing their sins. He explained that this baptism was a baptism of repentance—an outward sign of an inward change—rather than the later Christian baptism into Christ.

Pastor Allen then examined Matthew 3:7–12, where John confronted the Pharisees and Sadducees who came to observe the baptisms. John called them a “brood of vipers” and warned them that religious heritage could not replace genuine repentance. Pastor Allen Victor explained that true repentance must produce fruit and that God looks at the heart rather than outward appearances. John warned that the ax was already laid at the root of the trees, illustrating that lives without spiritual fruit would face judgment. John also declared that while he baptized with water, the One coming after him would baptize with the Holy Spirit and with fire—empowering believers and purifying them like refined silver.

Finally, Pastor Allen taught from Matthew 3:13–17, where Jesus came from Galilee to be baptized by John in the Jordan River. John initially objected, recognizing his own unworthiness, but Jesus insisted in order to fulfill all righteousness. Pastor Allen explained that Jesus’ baptism identified Him with humanity, demonstrated humility, and fulfilled the righteous requirements of the law. When Jesus came up from the water, the heavens opened, the Spirit of God descended like a dove, and the Father declared, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” Pastor Allen Victor concluded by highlighting this moment as a powerful revelation of the Trinity—the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

This message was shared at Calvary Chapel West Jacksonville, where Allen Victor serves as pastor.

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